Web support and alignment station

ABSTRACT

A web support and alignment station, particularly for splicing photographic film, comprising a track member having channelshaped recessed web support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the film being spliced. The track is divided along its length into first and second portions having a resiliently mounted film separator blade extending transversely of the film track therebetween. Means is provided for supplying a vacuum to each of the first and second portions of the track including first and second normally closed valves which are connected to a vacuum source. Pilot openings are disposed in the web support surface of the respective portions of the track immediately adjacent the separator blade and are both connected to a source of vacuum. Each pilot opening is provided with a vacuum responsive switch arranged, upon increased vacuum in the respective pilot opening, to open the respective normally closed valve to supply vacuum to the film support surface of the respective portion of the track. Thus, when a first and second strip of film are abutted against opposite sides of the separator blade, covering the pilot openings, vacuum is supplied to the film support surfaces holding the film strips in place for subsequent operations such as splicing.

States Pate [72] lnventors Donald J. Lindsay;

Anopchand R. Vom, both of lilochester, NY. [21 Appl. No. 844,586 [22] Filed July 24, 1969 [4S] Patented Aug. 3, 1971 [73] Assignee Eastman Kodak Company Rochester, NY.

[54] WEB SUPPORT AND ALIGNMENT STATION 10 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. l 269/21, 156/505, 269/298, 269/316 [5|] Int. Cl ..B25b1llll00 [50] Field of Search 269/2], 298-301, 3 l6, 317; 156/505, 506

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,489,405 [/1970 Abramson et al 269/21 Primary Examiner-James M. Meister AII0rneys-Wv O. Hoclson and R. Li Randall ABSTRACT: A web support and alignment station, particularly for splicing photographic film, comprising a track member having channel-shaped recessed web support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the film being spliced. The track is divided along its length into first and second portions having a resiliently mounted film separator blade extending transversely of the film track therebetween. Means is provided for supplying a vacuum to each of the first and second portions of the track including first and second normally closed valves which are connected to a vacuum source. Pilot openings are disposed in the web support surface of the respective portions of the track immediately adjacent the separator blade and are both connected to a source of vacuum. Each pilot opening is provided with a vacuum responsive switch arranged, upon increased vacuum in the respective pilot opening, to open the respective normally closed valve to supply vacuum to the film support surface of the respective portion of the track. Thus, when a first and second strip of film are abutted against opposite sides of the separator blade, covering the pilot openings, vacuum is supplied to the film support surfaces holding the film strips in place for subsequent operations such as splicing.

Patented Aug. 3, 1971 WlElil SlUlPlPGlltT Al llllt ALllGNMlENT STATTGN BACKGROUND OF THE lNl/ENTlON Commercial film processing generally utilizes a film processor through which the exposed film is passed in sequence through a series of operation-performing stations, including developing, fixing, washing and drying stations. Many commercial film processors operate continuously whereby the individual strips of exposed film as received from the customer are spliced into a continuous length which is then passed in a substantially continuous manner though the processor. lnasmuch as the exposed film is susceptible to fogging by light, it is necessary for the film to be handled in substantial darkness. Generally, the film arrives at the film processing plant in an identifying envelope bearing the name and address of the film owner, or other owner identification. The film, still in its lighttight container and in the customer identification envelope, is placed with other film of similar characteristics and is transported to a darkroom. In the darkroom, the film is removed from the customer identifying envelope and the lighttight film container is opened. One end of the strip of film is then spliced to the trailing end of the preceding strip of film and is unwound from the container onto a master roll. After a sufficient length of film has been spliced together to form a master roll, the roll is transferred to the input end of the processor. Thus, the processor is continuously supplied with film from master rolls.

For successful operation of a film processing plant, the film must be accurately and securely spliced together. Should the splices not be secure, the film may part at the splice while in the processor, resulting in costly shutdowns and delays as well as damage to the customersfilm. Should the splices not be accurately made, they may not possess the requisite strength and may break, or they may jam in the transport apparatus. causing the film to break elsewhere.

Prior film splicing stations have utilized a track member having a width just equal to that of the film whereby the film is held in place for splicing by friction. However, to obtain the proper friction grip, prior art splicing stage tracks have an ad justable width, permitting misadjustment or loosening of the adjustment, with a resultant misalignment of the film being spliced. Moreover, the use of friction to hold the film in place often causes damage, such as edge nicks, to the customers film.

It is apparent that an arrangement which permits the accurate alignment and holding of film strips at the spicing station, without substantial cost, time requirements, or damage to the film, is extremely desirable. Such an arrangement would permit increased processing rates and reduced costs by substantially reducing the possibility of film or splice breaks in the processing apparatus.

Summary ofthe Invention Accordingly, the present invention provides a web support and alignment station comprising a track member having a web support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the web. The track is divided along its length into first and second portions having a web separator member extending transversely of the track therebetween. Means is provided for supplying a vacuum to each of the web support surfaces of the first and second portions of the track. Normally closed valves cooperate with each of said portions of the support sur' face to control the vacuum supply means. Means is provided which is responsive to the presence of a web in the track adjacent the separator member which is arranged to open one of the normally closed valves to supply vacuum to the respective portion of the web support surface.

Moreover, the present invention includes a pilot opening in the web support surface adjacent the separator member which pilot opening is connected to a source of vacuum and has a vacuum responsive switch arranged, upon an increase of vacuum in the pilot opening, to open the corresponding normally closed valve.

Furthermore, the present invention is arranged so that the web separator member is resiliently supported in the track and extends above the web support surface. Upon the application ofa force to the separator member normal to the web support surface, the separator member is depressed to the web support surface.

More specifically, the present invention provides a web support and alignment station, particularly for splicing photographic film, comprising a channel-shaped track member hav ing a recessed web support surface with width substantially equal to the width of the film being spliced. The track is divided along its length into first and second portions having a resiliently mounted film separator blade extending transversely of the web track therebetween. Means is provided for supplying a vacuum to each of the first and second portions of the track including first and second normally closed valves which are connected to a vacuum source. Pilot openings are disposed in the web support surface of the respective portions of the track immediately adjacent the separator blade and are both connected to a source of vacuum. Each pilot opening is provided with a vacuum responsive switch arranged, upon increased vacuum in the respective pilot opening, to open the respective normally closed valve to supply vacuum to the web support surface of the respective portion of the track. Thus, when a first and second strip of a web are abutted against opposite sides of the separator blade, covering the pilot openings, vacuum is supplied to the web support surfaces holding the web strips in place for subsequent operations such as splicing.

The various features of novelty which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. l is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a web support station of the present invention; and

lFlG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. l.

Description ofa Preferred Embodiment An elevation view, partially in section and partially sche matic, of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. l and comprises a horizontally disposed track housing member 10 having a channel-shaped recessed web or film support surface 112 in the upper surface thereof. The film support surface l2 has a width substantially equal to the film being spliced and extends from one end ofthe track to the other. The film support surface has a width such that a film strip thereon is provided with good alignment and yet is not gripped such that damage may occur to the edge of the film. The upper portion of the track member is provided with a sloping surface i l directed to the film support surface to assist the operator to properly locate the film in the track while operating in total darkness. The sloping surface 114 may be provided on either or both of the front and rear edges of the track. The track lift is divided along its length into a first and a second portion, 116 and ill respectively, by a film separator blade member Zfi which extends upwardly from the film support surface transversely to the track. The separator blade is arranged to move vertically and is normally urged upwardly above the film support surface by a spring 22 in the track housing it). The upper end of separator blade member 20 has a thickness equal to the desired distance between the ends of the two strips of film upon completion ofthe splice. The lower portion 24 of the separator blade member is enlarged to provide guidance thereto and to provide a bearing surface for spring 22.

The track housing member 110 is recessed about the separator blade and is provided with a relatively firm, resilient pad 26 having an upper surface in the same plane as the film support surface 12 of the track.

A first vacuum chamber 28 is formed in the track housing member beneath the first film support portion 16 and is connected therewith by a plurality of openings 30. A second vacuum chamber 32 is formed in the track housing member beneath the second film support portion 18 and is connected therewith by a plurality of openings 34. Both vacuum chambers 28 and 32 are connected via lines 36 and 38 through normally closed, solenoid-operating valves 40 and 42 to a first vacuum manifold 44. The first vacuum manifold is provided with a vacuum gauge 46 and is connected via line 48 to a source of vacuum, such as vacuum pump 50.

A first pilot opening 52 is provided in the track housing and extends upwardly through the resilient pad 26 to the film support surface immediately adjacent the separator blade on the first track portion side thereof. The first pilot opening is connected via line 54 to a second vacuum manifold 56 which is connected to the vacuum pump 50 via line 58. A vacuum responsive switch 60 is connected to line 54 and is arranged to sense the amount of vacuum in that line. The switch 60 is connected to normally closed solenoid-operated valve 40 in line 36 and is arranged to open valve 40 upon an increase in the vacuum in line 54 above a preselected value.

A second pilot opening 62 is provided inthe track housing and extends upwardly through the resilient pad 26 to the film support surface immediately adjacent the separator blade on the second track portion side thereof. The second pilot opening is connected via line 64 to the second vacuum manifold 56. A vacuum responsive switch 66 is connected to line 64 and is arranged to sense the amount of vacuum in that line. The switch 66 is connected to normally closed solenoid-operated valve 42in line 38 and is arranged to open valve 42 upon an increase in the vacuum in line 64 above a preselected value.

The pilot openings 52 and 62 and the vacuum responsive switches 60 and 66 are so arranged that when the pilot holes are open to the atmosphere at the web support surface, the vacuum in respective lines 54 and 64 is not great enough to close the switches 60 and 66.

Thus in operation, the splice operator, in the dark, picks up the trailing end of the film extending from the master roll and lays it on sloping surface 14 above the first portion 16 of the film support surface. The film is then slid down surface 14 into the channel-shaped film support surface 12. The operator then slides the film longitudinally of the track towards the film separator blade member 20. lnasmuch as the film is not frictionally gripped by the track, and since the valve 40 is closed, no restraining force is applied to the film until the end thereof abuts the separator blade and covers pilot opening 52. As soon as the pilot opening is covered by the end of the film, the vacuum existing in line 54 increases, actuating switch 60 which, in turn, opens valve 40, opening vacuum chamber 28 to the vacuum existing in the first manifold 44. This vacuum is supplied through openings 30 to the first portion 16 of the film support surface 12, drawing the film securely into contact therewith until the operator deliberately releases it. The same procedure is followed with the leading end of the next strip of film to be spliced into the master roll.

When both strips of film are held in the track the further operations, such as splicing, may be carried out. Thus, when the film strips are being spliced, the operator actuates the splicing apparatus, which may be of any type well known in the art, and the splicing head, shown in phantom at 68 in FIG. 1, applies the splicing element, such as a splice tape 70, to the film strips 72 (see FIG. 2). As the splicing head approaches the film, it contacts the end of the separator blade and, compressing spring 22, depresses the end of the blade below the upper surface of the film strips. In order to prevent spring 22 from returning the blade to the normal position as soon as the splice head 68 is withdrawn, and possibly breaking the splice, the lower portion 24 of the separator blade is provided with a recess 74 which is engaged by a spring finger 76 when the blade is depressed, thereby holding the blade in the depressed position until the operator releases the spring finger by pushing on release button 78. After the splice has been completed, the operator releases the film strip by merely lifting the film from the film support surface. As soon as the film is lifted, the pilot openings 52 and 62 are cleared, reducing the vacuum in lines 54 and 64, causing valves 40 and 42 to close. The operator can then actuate the master roll wind mechanism, winding the newly spliced film thereon. At the same time, release button 78 is actuated, returning separator blade 20 to the normal position so that the station is ready for the next splicing operation.

it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a web alignment and support station which accurately holds and aligns a pair of webs without causing damage thereto. Moreover, many weak or misaligned splices possible with prior art apparatus are not possible with the present arrangement. A

Specifically, overlap splices are prevented by the resiliently mounted separator blade 20 which extends upward from the web support surface. While the blade is depressed against the action of spring 22 by the splicing head 74, the strength of the spring is such that film overlying the end of the separator blade will be raised above the film support surface, opening the corresponding pilot opening and preventing the application of the holddown vacuum to the film support surface.

Moreover, should the film be misaligned in one portion of the film support surface, one or more openings 30 or 34 would be open. As a result the amount of vacuum occurring in both manifolds 44 and 56 is reduced, reducing the vacuum in lines 54 and 64, causing switches 60 and 66 to open, closing valves 40 and 42. As soon as the valves close, the vacuum in the system increases causing the switches to close, again opening valves 40 and 42. Thus, and oscillation is setup in the valves which is audible to the operator, indicating that the film needs realignment.

Furthermore, should it be desirable, a pressure sensor can be connected to the second manifold 56 which is actuated during the master roll winding operation to sense a high level of vacuum therein which would indicate a blockage in the pilot openings.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that a simpler arrangement can be constructed utilizing the concept of the present invention, wherein a single solenoid-operated valve controls the vacuum applied to both portions of the track. In this case, both pilot openings would be connected to a common line with a single vacuum responsive switch. With this arrangement it would be necessary for the operator to simultaneously align both strips of film in the track before the solenoidoperated valve would open, holding the film in place.

it will be apparent that the present invention provides an arrangement which permits accurate and rapid alignment and holding of film strips at a splicing station, with a minimum of expense and a substantial elimination of film damage. This arrangement permits increased processing rates and reduced costs by substantially reducing the possibility of film or splice breaks in the processing apparatus. At the same time, the apparatus incorporates self-checking, fail-safe features.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described hereinabove and as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A web support and alignment station comprising a track member having a web support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the web, said track being divided along its length into first and second portions having a web separator member extending transversely of said track therebetween, means for supplying a vacuum to each of the web support surfaces of the first and second portions of said track, at least one normally closed valve arranged to control said vacuum supply means, and means responsive to the presence of a web in said track adjacent said separator member arranged to open said normally closed valve to supply vacuum tosaid web support surface.

2. The invention according to claim ll wherein said track member is channel-shaped and has a recessed web support surface, said means for supplying a vacuum to the web support surface including a plurality of openings in said surface connected to a source of vacuum.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to the presence of a web in said track includes a pilot opening in the web support surface adjacent the separator member, said pilot opening being connected to a source of vacuum and having a vacuum responsive switch arranged, upon an increase of vacuum in said pilot opening, to open a norm ally closed valve.

4. The invention according to claim 3 wherein a normally closed valve cooperates with each portion of said track, a separate pilot opening is provided in the web support surface on each side of the web separator member, each of said pilot openings being provided with a vacuum responsive switch which operates the normally closed valve which cooperates with the same portion of the track containing that pilot opening.

5. The invention according to claim I wherein said web separator member is resiliently supported in said track and extends above said web support surface, said separator member arranged, upon the application of a force to the separator member normal to the web support surface, to be depressed to the web support surface.

6. The invention according to claim 5 wherein said web separator member is releasably held in the depressed position by a latch member.

7. A film splicing station comprising a track member having a recessed film support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the film being spliced, said track being divided along its length into first and second portions, a resiliently mounted film separator blade extending upwardly from the film support surface transversely of said track between said first and said second portions thereof, means including a plurality of openings in said film support surface for supplying a vacuum to the film support surface of the first portion of said track and including a first normally closed valve, means including a plurality of openings in said film support surface for supplying a vacuum to the second portion of said track and including a second normally closed valve, said normally closed valves being connected to a vacuum source, a first pilot opening disposed in the film support surface of the first portion of said track immediately adjacent said separator blade, said first pilot opening being connected to a source of vacuum and to a first vacuum responsive switch which, upon increased vacuum in said first pilot opening, is arranged to open said first normally closed valve to supply a vacuum to the film support surface of the first portion of said track, a second pilot opening disposed in the film support surface of the second portion of said track immediately adjacent said separator blade, said second pilot opening being connected to a source of vacuum and to a second vacuum responsive switch which, upon increased vacuum in said second pilot opening, is arranged to open said second normally closed valve to supply a vacuum to the film support surface of the second portion of said track, whereby upon covering said pilot openings by a first and second strip of film abutted against the separator blade a vacuum is supplied to the film support surfaces holding said film strips in place.

8. The invention according to claim 7 wherein said track member is channel-shaped having a recessed film support surface.

9. The invention according to claim 8 wherein said track member is provided with a surface sloping towards the recessed film support surface.

H0. The invention according to claim 7 wherein said film separator blade is arranged, upon application of a force to the blade normal to the film support surface, to be depressed to the film support surface, and a latch member arranged to releasably hold said blade in the depressed position. 

1. A web support and alignment station comprising a track member having a web support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the web, said track being divided along its length into first and second portions having a web separator member extending transversely of said track therebetween, means for supplying a vacuum to each of the web support surfaces of the first and second portions of said track, at least one normally closed valve arranged to control said vacuum supply means, and means responsive to the presence of a web in said track adjacent said separator member arranged to open said normally closed valve to supply vacuum to said web support surface.
 2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said track member is channel-shaped and has a recessed web support surface, said means for supplying a vacuum to the web support surface including a plurality of openings in said surface connected to a source of vacuum.
 3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to the presence of a web in said track includes a pilot opening in the web support surface adjacent the separator member, said pilot opening being connected to a source of vacuum and having a vacuum responsive switch arranged, upon an increase of vacuum in said pilot opening, to open a normally closed valve.
 4. The invention according to claim 3 wherein a normally closed valve cooperates with each portion of said track, a separate pilot opening is provided in the web support surface on each side of the web separator member, each of said pilot openings being provided with a vacuum responsive switch which operates the normally closed valve which cooperates with the same portion of the track containing that pilot opening.
 5. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said web separator member is resiliently supported in said track and extends above said web support surface, said separator member arranged, upon the application of a force to the separator member normal to the web support surface, to be depressed to the web support surface.
 6. The invention according to claim 5 wherein said web separator member is releasably held In the depressed position by a latch member.
 7. A film splicing station comprising a track member having a recessed film support surface with a width substantially equal to the width of the film being spliced, said track being divided along its length into first and second portions, a resiliently mounted film separator blade extending upwardly from the film support surface transversely of said track between said first and said second portions thereof, means including a plurality of openings in said film support surface for supplying a vacuum to the film support surface of the first portion of said track and including a first normally closed valve, means including a plurality of openings in said film support surface for supplying a vacuum to the second portion of said track and including a second normally closed valve, said normally closed valves being connected to a vacuum source, a first pilot opening disposed in the film support surface of the first portion of said track immediately adjacent said separator blade, said first pilot opening being connected to a source of vacuum and to a first vacuum responsive switch which, upon increased vacuum in said first pilot opening, is arranged to open said first normally closed valve to supply a vacuum to the film support surface of the first portion of said track, a second pilot opening disposed in the film support surface of the second portion of said track immediately adjacent said separator blade, said second pilot opening being connected to a source of vacuum and to a second vacuum responsive switch which, upon increased vacuum in said second pilot opening, is arranged to open said second normally closed valve to supply a vacuum to the film support surface of the second portion of said track, whereby upon covering said pilot openings by a first and second strip of film abutted against the separator blade a vacuum is supplied to the film support surfaces holding said film strips in place.
 8. The invention according to claim 7 wherein said track member is channel-shaped having a recessed film support surface.
 9. The invention according to claim 8 wherein said track member is provided with a surface sloping towards the recessed film support surface.
 10. The invention according to claim 7 wherein said film separator blade is arranged, upon application of a force to the blade normal to the film support surface, to be depressed to the film support surface, and a latch member arranged to releasably hold said blade in the depressed position. 